17.04.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX / top stories

This is how you get the most out of your volunteer work

As you embark on your volunteering journey, you want to maximize the benefit for both yourself and the local community or volunteer hosting project. Through your forthcoming experience abroad during your voluntary service, you will build lasting relationships with other international volunteers as well as with the people at the destination and valuable social ones develop competencies.

In this blog post we present you 7 important tips before, like you the best of your volunteer work can get out. Our tips are particularly valuable for young people between the ages of 17 and 27 who are about to make their first independently planned experiences abroad.

Volunteering builds self-confidence

1. Build self-confidence and learn to master challenges abroad

The Volunteering abroad offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, languages ​​and environments. To make the most of your time abroad, you should focus on your Self-confidence as well as yours resistance and personal resilience to strengthen (resilience).

Face the challenges that come with adapting to unfamiliar situations and learning new customs. In this way, you gain a new sense of independence and a fuller understanding of the world around you.

Tip: First of all, do some thorough research about your travel destination and the local cultural customs. With this knowledge, you can prepare yourself better and feel more confident in dealing with local customs and customs.

Volunteer responsibly

2. Learn how to do volunteer work abroad consciously and responsibly as a volunteer

Responsible volunteering means you care your well-being care and ensure that your actions make a positive contribution to the local community. Take care of yours abroad too Healthby drinking enough water, eating healthily and getting enough rest. Make sure all required vaccinations are up to date and familiarize yourself with local hygiene standards.

Practice mindfulness regarding your impact on the local environment and culture. Avoid activities that could damage the ecosystem or affect community values. Respect local customs and customs, and always do your research before taking photos or participating in local rituals, for example.

Tip: Visit a volunteer before departure preparation seminar or a workshop offered by your volunteer organization to educate you about health, safety and responsible volunteering practices.

Life changing experience

3. Use life-changing experiences abroad purposefully for your further life

Your volunteer work will most likely become one leave a lasting impression on you and shape your future. Therefore, invest time after a volunteer assignment and think about how you can apply what you have experienced and learned to your personal and professional life in the future.

For example, you might discover a new passion for social justice, environmental protection or project development. Use these insights for your future career choice, your educational path or your personal development.

Tip: Keep a journal during your volunteer service to record your thoughts, feelings and experiences. These notes will later help you reflect on your journey and figure out how best to integrate your experiences into your future life.

Volunteering promotes problem-solving skills

4. Acquire communication, leadership and problem-solving skills

Volunteering abroad offers numerous opportunities to important soft skills such as communication, leadership skills and problem-solving skills. Working in volunteer teams and overcoming unexpected challenges will help you in your personal development advance.

To improve your communication skills, you should practice active listening and learn to express your thoughts clearly and respectfully. Take on your first management tasks, for example by organizing events, leading small projects or guiding other volunteers. Deal with problems by approaching them creatively and imaginatively and working out solutions.

Tip: Get feedback from your colleagues, supervisors or volunteer coordinators and receive constructive feedback and tips to continuously improve your work.

Increase work experience with volunteer work

5. Increase your work experience, improve your CV and LinkedIn profile

A diverse volunteering experience can be a valuable one enrichment for your CV and possibly also for yours LinkedIn profile mean. Employers often value applicants with international experience and a proven commitment to social responsibility.

Highlight the skills and achievements you have acquired during your time abroad. Demonstrate your ability to adapt to new environments, develop problem-solving strategies, and lead projects. Be sure to get one after successfully completing your volunteer work confirmation of participation or a volunteer certificate. This underlines and proves your experiences in your CV.

Tip: Come up with a compelling account of the time you spent volunteering by relating it to your professional goals and personal values. Storytelling is not only a very effective method to inspire in marketing, but can also help you to draw attention to yourself. This allows potential employers to better understand the importance of your experience and how it can benefit your workplace.

Develop cultural competence

6. Develop cultural competence and cosmopolitanism

During a volunteer assignment abroad, you get to know different perspectives and ways of life and can thus develop cultural skills and global consciousness develop. By interacting with locals and other volunteers, you will learn to appreciate other values ​​and customs. This newfound understanding will not only enrich your personal development, but also make you an empathetic and effective citizen of the world.

Tip: Make an effort to learn the local language, even if it's just a few simple phrases. This allows you to develop a deeper connection with local people and show your commitment to cultural exchange.

Social network with volunteer work

7. Build a network of like-minded people

During your volunteer service, you'll likely meet people who share your passion for making a difference in the world. These connections can be valuable resources for future collaborations or even lifelong friendships be. Stay in touch with other volunteers and the people you met on site and thus expand your social network.

Tip: Be sure to use your social media to stay in touch with your new contacts. Join relevant groups or forums to continue discussions on topics close to your heart and to discover and develop new opportunities in your area of ​​interest.

Take the opportunity and get active

In summary it can be said that a voluntary service abroad is a transformative experience can be, which offers innumerable advantages both personally and professionally.

By building Confidence and problem-solving skills, learning responsible volunteer service, implementing life-changing experiences into your future life, acquiring communication and leadership skills, improving your employability, developing cultural competence and building a network of like-minded people, you can make the most of your time as a volunteer .

Take the opportunity to grow, make lasting connections, and make a positive impact in other people's lives. Remember, the world is waiting for passionate people like you to make a difference. So, take the plunge and embark on an adventure that change your life for the better is.

Portrait of Steffen Mayer
Author
Steffen Mayer

World traveler and passionate supporter of volunteer projects worldwide since 1999.

More projects that interest you could

Have you not yet discovered a suitable program for your time abroad? No problem, we will present you more Volunteer projects abroadthat might pique your interest.

Are you perhaps still at the beginning of thinking about your trip and have no idea what might be right for you? Whether you want to go abroad as a volunteer for a short time, or if you prefer FSJ up to 12 months abroad afford? Maybe there is one Internship abroad in a specific subject area the best way for you to gain experience abroad?

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